Using one piece of patterned brass sheet metal you can make several bracelets. The 24-gauge sheet is sold in 4″ by 2-1/2″ pieces, which cut nicely into long strips.

Step One: Begin by deciding on the width you want for each bracelet (the set shown is 6mm). Mark the back side of the sheet metal using a permanent marker. Carefully cut each strip using metal shears, flattening metal as needed with a nylon hammer or rawhide mallet.

Step Two: Punch a single hole at both ends ends of each strip. The screw-action on our favorite hole punch takes a bit of getting used to, but once you have mastered it you will reach for it time and again. It makes perfect holes in two sizes (1/16″ & 3/32″), without damaging the metal. It is fast, requires no electricity and is an absolute workhorse.

Step Three: File metal strips as needed to remove any sharp points or burrs. No bench is complete without a rubber square soft-anvil work surface, perfect for sanding and polishing! We call the Grobet® Swiss flat hand file the “Butter File” because it moves through metal like butter! It is smooth and quick.

(Side note: I cut my sanding sponges into several small squares, as I typically am working with tiny pieces of metal. These flat sponges are perfect for lifting off only the top layer, without disturbing the color held in the recesses.)

Step Four: Use bracelet bending pliers to form the connector; it shapes the metal strips perfectly! (Consideration: it is generally best to do this before applying color and sealant, to prevent cracking).

Vintaj Patinas are festive, opaque, permanent, fast-drying inks specially formulated to adhere to metal! They create durable and beautiful effects on metal, and can be blended and layered for an endless array of results. A dauber is great for applying inks to large surfaces.

Gilder’s Paste provides very durable, opaque finish. It is great for highlighting metal. Polishing the Metallic Gilders Paste with a soft cloth produces a gilded finish. For more tips, check out a previous blog article.

Win-Ox blackens brass quickly and completely. If not sealed properly, a container of Win-ox will oxidize the closest metals. We recommend that you overbag the bottle and store away from all metal materials.

Step Six: Seal the color. Reniassance Wax (Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish) is a great way to finish your piece as it dries instantly, does not show finger prints, will not discolor, and imparts a beautiful soft sheen. You can also use the amazing ultra-polish pads which are tight-bond foam pads, permanently bonded micro-abrasives, great for adding highlights to oxidized items, removing tarnish and polishing to a high shine.

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